Michael A. Hamel

Michael A. HamelThe career of Lieutenant General Michael A. Hamel, USAF, Retired, spans over 50 years in government and industry in the national security space sector, with broad responsibilities and experience in space policy and strategy, systems development & acquisition, space operations and command and business leadership. He is currently an independent consultant and advisor supporting USG space programs. After retiring from the USAF in 2008, Gen Hamel spent ten years in the space industry as Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Relations for Orbital Sciences Corporation, and subsequently as Vice President and General Manager for Lockheed Martin Commercial Space.

Gen Hamel’s final assignment in the USAF was as Commander, Space and Missile Systems Center, and AF Program Executive Officer (PEO) for Space in Los Angeles, CA, where he led the development, acquisition and sustainment of all AF space and launch systems and programs. Prior to that, he was the Commander of 14th Air Force responsible for all AF space operations in support of U.S. STRATCOM and combatant commands across the globe. Before these commands, Gen Hamel led space requirements, operations and integration at HQ USAF and AF Space Command, including implementation of the DOD Space Organization and Management initiative (Rumsfeld Commision) in 2000. In an earlier assignment he was the Military Advisor to the Vice President on defense, nonproliferation and space policy. Gen Hamel has been involved with GPS system development, acquisition and operations for decades.       

General Hamel was commissioned a second lieutenant through the U.S. Air Force Academy in June 1972. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering and Masters degree in Business Administration and has completed multiple senior military education programs. He is the recipient of several national space awards and is active in various professional associations.